Main content Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II: Hospital to Home

    Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II: Hospital to Home



    Topic Overview

    The cardiac rehabilitation Phase II program is the transitional phase of cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) after you leave the hospital.

    The goals are to:

    • Make a smooth transition from hospital to home.
    • Take care of yourself after leaving the hospital. This includes taking care of your incisions if you had surgery.
    • Get stronger and be more active.

    Follow your discharge instructions to avoid postsurgical complications and to prepare yourself for a more active lifestyle. Your home program will vary in length depending upon your medical history and current condition.

    Your rate of recovery depends on age, gender, and other health conditions. Depending on your condition and how you respond to rehab, you may stay in a particular phase or move back and forth among the various phases. There is no set length of time that you must stay in a specific phase.

    Home exercise program

    Your exercises at home depend on your medical history, clinical status, and symptoms. Discuss additional physical limitations or medical issues with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

    Exercise progresses from activities of daily life to regular exercise. You will most likely walk or ride a stationary bike.

    Aerobic exercise

    A regular walking or stationary cycling program is an essential part of your home exercise program. How fast you progress will depend on your overall cardiovascular and muscular strength. Always warm up and cool down. Never exercise at an intensity that causes shortness of breath soon after open-heart surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid extreme weather conditions and temperatures. In extreme weather, you can try walking indoors at a mall or a gym.

    Example program

    Mode

    Frequency

    Intensity

    Time

    Walking (indoors or outdoors)
    • Week 1 to week 4: 3 to 5 times a day
    • Week 4 to week 8: 2 or 3 times a day
    • Slow to moderate pace
    • Avoid becoming short of breath.
    • Avoid hilly terrain.
    • Week 1: 5 to 10 minutes
    • Week 2: 10 to 15 minutes
    • Week 3: 15 to 20 minutes
    • Week 4: 20 minutes
    • Week 5: 25 minutes
    • Week 6: 30 minutes
    • Week 7: 35 minutes
    • Week 8: 40 minutes
    Cycling (stationary)
    • Week 1 to week 4: 3 to 5 times a day
    • Week 4 to week 8: 2 or 3 times a day
    • Little to moderate resistance
    • Comfortable speed
    • Avoid becoming short of breath.
    • Week 1: 5 to 10 minutes
    • Week 2: 10 to 15 minutes
    • Week 3: 15 to 20 minutes
    • Week 4: 20 minutes
    • Week 5: 25 minutes
    • Week 6: 30 minutes
    • Week 7: 35 minutes
    • Week 8: 40 minutes



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference September 27, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
    Reference John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology


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